Category Archives: Metropolitan Museum of Art New York

If you thought Modern Art started with Delacroix, the new exhibition Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer, opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art November 13, will force you to reconsider. Running through February 12, the exhibition presents a stunning 128 of the artist’s drawings, three of his marble sculptures, his first painting, and his wood architectural model for a chapel vault. “This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to experience first-hand the unique genius of Michelangelo,” said Met president Daniel H. Weiss. The exhibition will trace the life and career of Michelangelo Buonarroti (b. March 6, 1475; d. February 18, 1564), beginning with his training as a teenager in the workshop of Ghirlandaio and his earliest painting, “The Torment of Saint Anthony” (1487–88), and first known sculpture, “Young Archer” (ca. 1490). An entire gallery will be devoted to his monumental project of painting “The Last Judgment” on the Sistine Ceiling, and will include Michelangelo’s original studies for the project. Above: Michelangelo, “Three Labors of Hercules.” Drawing, red chalk; 10 11/16 x 16 5/8 inches (27.2 x 42.2 cm). Royal Collection Trust. “Copyright Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017, www.royalcollection.org.uk.”

NEW YORK — Metropolitan Museum of New York president Daniel Weiss this morning issued the following statement criticizing U.S. president Donald Trump’s ill-advised decision to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO, whose primary mission is preserving the world’s cultural patrimony:

“One of our most important responsibilities as museum leaders is to protect cultural heritage and promote international education. For more than half a century the Met and countless other museums have successfully partnered with UNESCO, an organization that has earned the respect of nations and communities worldwide for bringing together curators, conservators, and a range of other scholars to educate, preserve, protect, and support the intellectual and artistic traditions of our shared cultural heritage. President Trump’s decision to withdraw from UNESCO undermines the historic role of the United States as a leader in this effort and weakens our position as a strong advocate for cultural preservation. Although UNESCO may be an imperfect organization, it has been an important leader and steadfast partner in this crucial work. The Met remains deeply committed to productive engagement with UNESCO and our colleagues around the world who share this important objective.”